Let the games begin
MONGOLIA ACTION-PACKED shots of the Mongolian Golden Eagle festival have been captured.
Images show Kazakh eagle hunters dressed in their traditional clothing participating in an annual competition which celebrates their heritage.
The eagle hunters and their magnificent golden eagles compete in lure-based and timed eagle-handling events.
Golden eagles are huge birds of prey with broad wings spanning up to seven feet and can reach a dive speed of around 200 miles per hour.
The adults are dark brown with a golden sheen on the back of the head and neck while the young golden eagles have neatly defined white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings.
These birds can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia.?
The event showcases the eagle's incredible hunting skills and reveals its close connection with its trainer.
Prizes are awarded for speed, agility, accuracy, and the best traditional Kazakh dress.
These images were captured by Jie Fischer, a photographer from New Jersey, USA.
“I had heard a lot about this festival and always wanted to witness it, so I did some research and made a travel plan to fly there to shoot,” she told mediadrumworld.com.
“I love how this festival celebrates the harmony between humans and animals.
“I was fortunate enough to be allowed to touch one of the golden eagles, and it spread its wings in my hand.
“I was beyond excited and happy at that moment.”
ENDs